36 Stunning Epoxy Resin Projects DIY that Look Expensive (2024)

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36 Stunning epoxy resin projects that are sure to amaze. Resins more specifically epoxy resin is used in making stunning projects for resin crafts and jewelry. Epoxy countertops and epoxy art have gained a lot of popularity over years. It gives beautiful and clear results. Resin crafts and resin projects using wood and metal, as well as plastic and silicone molds are easy and simple resin projects for beginners to try. Jewelry making and wood working ranges from simple designs to super extraordinary as the challenge grows. However, the concept of epoxy resin is very simple. Once your project is complete simply pour the resin and hardener mixture and viola!

Before looking at some stunning projects for your hobby, business, or online selling lets read a bit about epoxy resins.

What is resin?

Resin is mainly used as a glue. It helps transfer stress between the fibers, protects the surface from external factors and clasps things together. The first resins were found in nature in the plants, insects and trees. Amber or shellac are common natural resins.

How strong is resin?

Resin has a strength of 55.7 MPa and an elasticity of 2.7GPa. It can withstand stress and strain and is a perfect choice for building strong and functional projects.

What is epoxy resin and how to use it in crafts and DIY projects?

There are three different forms of resin. They are different based on cost and properties. Our focus is on epoxy resin as it is used commonly for crafts and DIY projects. Epoxy resin is a liquid form adhesive that dries clear with a shiny look. It is used in manufacture of plastics and paints. Resin works as a primer and coating on flooring and countertops as well. And it is popular in diy projects and art as a sealer.

What is the difference between resin and epoxy resin?

Epoxy and resin are different only due to drying time. Epoxy hardens faster than resin and both require mixing before use. Resin can take about 8-10 hours while epoxy resin dries in only 6-30 minutes making it more popular in home based crafts and DIY projects.

Is resin dangerous?

The answer to this question is no. Epoxy resin is generally non toxic. However, precaution should be taken to keep it away from mouth, and hands should be thoroughly washed after completing the project. Work in a ventilated area as it releases unnoticeable amounts of fumes when curing. If you are sensitive you should consider wearing a respirator, mask, and eyewear. Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid skin irritation.

Epoxy resin maintenance

Epoxy resin is generally strong and requires basic maintenance only. It doesn’t break or stain easily. However, it can start to yellow overtime if exposed to sunlight. The UV light from the sun tends to degrade the epoxy polymers causing discoloration. Even the most scratch resistant, crystal clear and colorless epoxy resin require precaution from sunlight to keep it beautiful and white.

Moreover, epoxy resin is not heat resistant. Epoxy resin coated countertops like granite countertops require care and precaution. Hot pans should not be directly placed over it. Heat resistance works for coasters.

How to polish epoxy resin projects?

1. To return your project to its clear shine use any polishing compound of your choice. The process is fairly simple, clean the surface with a slightly moist cotton or linen cloth. Now dab some polish on the cloth and rub the resin surface. Use a slow and circular motion with little pressure till the desired shine is achieved.

2. Use a fine grit paper to sand your resin craft and clean of the dust with a cloth. Use clear nail polish or clear coat of resin to polish. The dome coat or flood coat brings the shine in finished product.

How to clean resin if it comes in contact with your skin?

In case epoxy resin comes in contact with your skin simply remove it using either of the following:

Vinegar
Acetone
Waterless citrus-based hand cleaner

Where can I find epoxy resin?

Epoxy resin is easily available for resin projects at Walmart, Amazon, michaels, hobby lobby, home depot or any home hardware store.

The most commonly used is the ArtResins gallons. It comes in two components. The hardener and the resin which should be mixed per mixing ratio as per instructions before pouring on your project. Another one used by crafters is envirotex lite.

How much resin do I need for my project?

A rough estimate can be made based on the area and volume of the project’s surface. This calculation is based on the depth of your project. If the surface is flat length times width (L x W) can give you an estimated area. For depth simply multiply height of the project to get the estimated volume (L x W x H).

How can I make epoxy resin projects diy and crafts?

A variety of amazing art and DIY projects can be made using resin epoxy by LetsResin. This product is especially for crafters and artists to make projects at the convenience of their homes. Various pigments and dyes can be mixed with it to make paint projects.

When the hardener and resin (the two components) are mixed together a chemical reaction takes place. Use a torch to remove the air bubbles from the surface. Most resins have 30-50 mins of working time. As a result, the epoxy resin starts to solidify and gradually hardens or cures. Most resin solutions cure in 18-24 hours. However, UV Resin dries faster within 20-25 mins. The final product is glossy clear surface. I also wrote a beginners guide to resin crafts for you.

What supplies are needed for resin projects?

A typical resin project requires the following supplies:

Epoxy Resin
Gloves
Spreader or plastic spoons
Plastic mixing cups
Stir stick or popsicle stick for stirring
Covered working space
Heat gun
Torch

What materials can I add to epoxy resins?

A variety of materials can be mixed into epoxy resin for your projects. In short, anything! Some things that are popular to add to epoxy resin crafts and diy projects are:

Fresh flowers
Pigments and dyes
Mica powder
Glitter
Gold leaf
Pressed or artificial flowers
Food colors
Spices
eyeshadow powders
Beads etc.

What surfaces can I pour resins on?

You can pour epoxy resin on almost every surface. Some popular ones include:

Metal
Wood
Stone
Concrete
Canvas
Silicone molds
Cookie cutters
Silly putty
Paper
Textured tiles
Frames

What epoxy resins projects diy and crafts can I make?

Epoxy resin can be used in a variety of projects and crafts. Such as:

Woodworking
Jewelry making
Coasters
Ashtrays
Countertops
Ornaments
Decorative accents
Paint Pouring art
Geodes
Flooring

What material epoxy resin doesn’t stick to?

silicone
parchment paper
wax paper
painters tape
hot glue
rubber
plastics
acrylic sheets
cling wrap
wet acrylic paints
oil
dirt
water

How long does epoxy resin last uncombined?

If not mixed together epoxy shelf life can last for many years. Store resin and hardener at room temperature in closed bottles to prevent contamination. You can also test old resin by mixing a small batch together and see if it cures. According to west system epoxy 3 years for resin and 2 years for hardener.

DIY EPOXY RESIN PROJECTS FOR BEGINNERS:

Based on your interest the various epoxy resin crafts and projects have been categorized below for convenience. These projects based on the size will allow you to decide whether you are comfortable to initiate the project as a beginner.

EPOXY RESIN COASTERS

1. Petri dish coasters by artsy fartsy mama.

2. Diy make craft resin coasters step by step tutorial by that home bird life.

3. DIY epoxy resin wood coasters via diy huntress.

4. Real flower coasters botanical resin via etsy.

5. Resin art tutorial make freeform geode coasters by Edna Wargon Art.

6. How to make geode agate resin coasters by sunshine and rosebugs.

EPOXY RESIN ARTWORK

7. DIY resin and wood wall art with hidden key storage via diy huntress.

8. Poured resin gold leaf canvas gallery art by resin crafts blog.

9. DIY resin art by lily ardor.

10. Painting 3D turtle in resins layers by gerardo chierchia.

11. Galaxy inspired epoxy resin paint pour art by brittany goldwyn.

EPOXY RESIN WOOD PROJECTS

12. resin art wooden chopping boards by my modern met.

13. DIY lap desk epoxy resin via anikas diy life.

14. Epoxy resin wood coasters by DIY creators.

EPOXY RESIN COUNTERTOPS

15. How to pour an epoxy countertop by family handyman.

16. Effortless diy epoxy resin countertops by randolph sunoco.

EPOXY RESIN AGATE GEODES

17. DIY faux agate cheeseboard with art resin by Lily Ardor.

EPOXY RESIN TRAY

18. Confetti tray diy via tastemade.

19. Green and gold leaf fluid landscape tray by kathryn beals.

20. DIY bar cart makeover by delicious and diy.

21. Decorative mosaic tray by reality day dream.

22. Free form epoxy resin tray by hobby trends.

EPOXY RESIN JEWELRY IDEAS

23. Alcohol ink in resin by mom always finds out.

24. Fairy pendant made from dried plants and epoxy resin by now ive seen everything.

25. resin envirotex diy crafting at craftionary.

EPOXY RESIN FLOORING

26. DIY homeowner installs designer metallic epoxy floor by duraamen.

EPOXY RESIN GARDEN PROJECTS

27. Epoxy bar coating epoxy resin coating outdoor table top using bottle caps. Photo by: best bar top epoxy.

EPOXY RESIN KEYCHAIN

28. DIY alcohol ink resin keychains by resin crafts blog.

29. How to make shaker charms by sweet art crafts.

EPOXY RESIN CRAFTS

30. Easy resin crafts to make at home by bhg. Make an easy rock lamp with resins using rocks from the beach and place them in a glass base lamp with removable lid. Pour epoxy resin to finish of the project.